MANILA—Senator Kiko Pangilinan requested the Department of Finance (DOF) to provide data on local government purchases of food items to support the implementation of the Sagip Saka Law, which mandates the government to buy agricultural products directly from farmers and fisherfolk organizations.

During the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) budget hearings, Pangilinan said the national government spends about P74 billion annually on food purchases, based on data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). However, data on local government purchases is still lacking.

“We asked for the data for local governments. And then Secretary Pangandaman said they don’t have the data, but they will secure it,” Pangilinan said.

He cited Cavite province as an example, noting that it allocates around 5% of its total budget for disaster and calamity relief, which includes buying P350 million worth of rice annually. Pangilinan said purchasing a portion of this rice directly from farmers’ organizations could significantly impact local agriculture.

“So you can imagine the effect or impact if a portion of that 350 million pesos worth of rice is purchased directly from farmers’ organizations at the right price,” he said.

Pangilinan urged the Local Government Finance Bureau of the DOF to compile and submit the data before the second reading of the budget, emphasizing that it will help the Senate oversee the full implementation of the law.

“It will help us as we oversee the full implementation of the law. Thank you,” he added.